Today we are going to take a look at the Yamaha YAS-207BL Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, Bluetooth, and DTS Virtual:X. And in this Yamaha YAS-207BL review we will cover everything from what’s in the box, to sound quality, and more so let’s dive right in!
This Yamaha sound bar is a great option if you are on a budget. If you are looking to have a decent sound system that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, this might just be the right one for you.
This soundbar offers 2.1 channels of sound and is noted as the first sound bar with DTS Virtual:X virtual 3D surround sound. It comes with a wireless subwoofer that provides a fair bit of bass for those who like that extra deep tone when listening to music, movies, or even playing games.
(4.7 / 5)Contents
What’s In The Box?
- Wall mounting template
- Sound bar power cable
- Subwoofer power cable
- Remote control
- Optical audio cable
- User manuals
Design
With all the things that could already be on your TV stand, you could be running short on space. This shouldn’t be a problem with this Yamaha sound bar. The sound bar measures in at 36-5/8″ x 2-3/8″ x 4-1/4″ and should easily fit comfortably in front of almost any TV.
You also have the option to mount it on a wall if you prefer using the mounting template provided and the universal screw holes on the back of the bar. It is made from black and grey plastic with a mesh fabric covering most of the sides.
As for the subwoofer, it measures 7-1/8″ x 17-1/4″ x 15-3/4″ and can easily fit under a table or in a corner (although this won’t give you the best sound) without taking up to much space. Since it is wireless, the only plug you will notice is on the back for the included power cable. It has two mesh fabric covers on the side with the sub port on the front.
Since this is made from plastic, it does hold up quite nicely. However, you would need to be careful not to tear the mesh covering parts of the sound bar or subwoofer. The mesh will help you keep out any dust particles that might be floating around in the air, though.
Sound Quality
The Yamaha YAS-207BL is a 2.1 channel sound bar system. The sound is delivered through four 1-3/4″ woofers and dual 1″ tweeters in the sound bar and a 6-1/4″ cone woofer in the subwoofer. It was a pleasure to listen to music with it. The sub provides plenty of bass for most. And while watching movies, the dialogue was nice and clean.
Being only a 2.1 channel system, you won’t get the immersive feeling you would with a 5.1 or 7.1 channel system. It will also downmix any audio formats it receives to 2.1 channel audio. The frequency response of the system is from 40 to 23000 Hz.
This Yamaha YAS-207BL Review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning DTS Virtual:X and telling you a bit about what it is and does.
This is noted as the first sound bar with DTS Virtual:X. This has the ability to simulate virtual 3D surround sound. It analyzes the sound input and will create a sound that is similar to having virtual speakers around you. We felt that it did indeed help create a more immersive feeling while watching movies, playing games, and listening to music from the different sound sources we used.
The unit we received did need a firmware update for the DTS Virtual:X feature to work, though. Updating the system is easy enough, fortunately. Simply download the update through Yamaha’s website and put it on a USB stick. You then just need to follow the online instructions provided, and your good to go in about a minute.
To change from the traditional surround sound mode to DTS Virtual:X, just press the surround button on the remote, and you’ll notice an indicator light turn from green to blue.
Connecting To Your Devices
This Yamaha sound bar comes equipped with multiple input options to choose from. You will find an optical audio input that supports Dolby Digital and DTS formats. It comes with a full HDMI input connection and an HDMI output connection that supports HDMI ARC. The full HDMI input connection supports Dolby Digital, DTS, and 5.1 PCM formats. The HDMI ARC port will support Dolby Digital and DTS.
HDMI ARC allows you to use your full HDMI input port to connect to a gaming console or PC and then use the HDMI ARC port to output to your TV. This allows for the best quality audio and visuals for those devices. You’ll also want to enable your TV CEC option for HDMI ARC to work, and you will also notice that your TV remote will be able to control some functions of the sound bar itself.
Lastly, you will find there is a 3.5 mm analog audio jack provided as well to connect with your cell phone or any other device that may use a 3.5 mm jack. This device has built-in Bluetooth as well for connecting to Bluetooth devices such as headphones or your phone. Unfortunately, you will not find built-in Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.
The YAS-207 supports 4K at 60 Hz pass-through and HDR10 pass-through as well.
Controls
First of all, there is a set of touch-sensitive surface controls on the sound bar that allow you to switch your input, to mute the sound bar, turn it on and off, and change the volume.
The remote provided is rather small but offered many useful controls. You’ll be able to change your input, to enable or change your stereo surround sound mode. This allows you to trigger sound effects like Base Extension or Clear Voice. You can even independently control the sound of the sound bar and the subwoofer separately. There is even a Bluetooth standby button which will enable you to turn the system on or off by using your Bluetooth device.
Located on the front of the sound bar, you will notice a few light indicators letting you know what inputs you are using, if there are any special effects that are in use, and even which audio format you are using. The brightness of these lights can be adjusted by using the Dimmer key on the remote.
If you have a smartphone with Bluetooth, you can download the Yamaha Home Theater Controller application. With this app, you control almost all the same functions as if you’re using the handheld remote itself except for the Dimmer function and Bluetooth standby function.
Things To Consider
As far as sound enhancement features, the Yamaha YAS-207BL doesn’t have the most to choose from. It does come with a dialogue enhancement feature, virtual surround, and independent subwoofer level adjustment.
Some other things like room correction, base adjustment, treble adjustment, a graphic equalizer are not available, unfortunately.
Yamaha YAS-207BL Pros & Cons
Pros
- Balanced sound quality.
- HDMI arc for pass-through.
- Built-in Bluetooth connectivity.
- Small, easy-to-use remote.
- Decent overall build quality.
- It comes with DTS Virtual:X.
Cons
- Not as immersive as a 5.1 or 7.1 channel system.
- It does not have built-in Comcast, Wi-Fi Comcast or Apple AirPlay.
Other Options
If you’re not sure if this Yamaha system is the best choice for your home, it is well worth checking out our reviews of the Samsung HW R650, the VIZIO SB3821 C6, the VIZIO SB3220N F6 32 2 0, and the VIZIO SB3820 C6. As well as our Bose Cinemate 15 review.
If you’re looking for other options, please take a look at our reviews of the Best Wireless TV Speakers, the Best Wireless Home Theater Systems, the Best Powered Speakers, the Best In Ceiling Speakers, and the Best In Wall Speakers currently available.
Conclusion
For an entry-level system from Yamaha, we were pleasantly surprised at the overall quality of sound produced from the Yamaha YAS-207BL’s 2.1 channel system. You can easily hear dialogue from movies, and the subwoofer provided just enough punch to the music.
We enjoyed the DTS Virtual:X feature, and it was a nice improvement from basic stereo sound, but not as immersive as a full 5.1 channel set up would be. The price point is extremely attractive, considering everything it comes with and the features.
So if you’re in the market for a new sound bar that looks stylish and sounds great, this is an extremely good option worth considering. We hope you found this Yamaha YAS-207BL Review helpful in making your decision purchasing on a sound bar that fits your needs.